Anointing of the Sick

Until the 1970s this Sacrament was known as extreme unction and associated almost exclusively with the Last Rites.  The reforms prompted by the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) shifted the emphasis to the pastoral care of the infirm and aged, and today the “Anointing of the Sick” is regularly celebrated in parishes, hospitals, hospices and rest homes.

The “Oil of the Sick” is consecrated by the bishop during the annual Holy Week Chrism Mass, along with the oils for priesthood and baptism.  To highlight the community’s part in the delivery of pastoral care and sacramental life, the bishop entrusts these oils to lay representatives by the bishop to be presented to each parish/chaplaincy at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.

The Sacrament of Anointing should be requested for or by anyone anticipating surgery, the seriously ill or senior citizens.